The cost of pet health insurance depends on a number of factors, including the type of coverage you choose. The premium, deductible, and reimbursement rate all affect the cost.
Accident and illness policies are typically more expensive than comprehensive plans. They cover a range of treatments for accidents, such as bite wounds, burns, and broken bones. They also provide coverage for illnesses like ear infections, viral infections, and hereditary conditions.
Premiums
Premiums for pet health insurance vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and breed of your pet. Also, location, length of policy and the company offering your plan affect costs.
For example, pet insurance companies charge higher premiums for pets living in metropolitan areas where veterinary care is more expensive than in rural areas. You can get quotes from multiple providers before you commit to a policy.
Another consideration is the deductible, which determines how much you will have to pay before the insurance company reimburses you. Most companies allow you to choose between an annual deductible and a per-incident deductible.
Most pet health insurance providers offer reimbursement policies, which work like human health insurance. You pay the veterinarian, and then the insurance company pays a certain percentage of the total bill after the deductible has been met. A few providers use a benefit schedule, which means they pay a maximum amount per condition each year.
Deductibles
Deductibles are a key part of pet insurance. They determine how much of your veterinary bills you’ll have to pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts to reimburse you.
Most insurers offer two main types of deductibles: annual and per-incident. Both work differently and can result in lower or higher monthly premiums.
With an annual deductible, you only have to meet the deductible once each policy year. This means that if your dog visits the veterinarian for a new medical problem, you only have to meet the deductible one time during the policy year.
In contrast, a per-incident deductible applies every time your pet is seen for a new medical issue, which could result in more veterinary expenses.
Many pet parents opt for an annual deductible, which is the most common type of deductible for pet insurance. This is because they are easier to understand and can help you budget your expenses more effectively.
Reimbursement percentage
If your pet suffers an accident or illness that requires a major procedure, pet health insurance can save you from thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. But not every family is able to pay for such large medical bills out of their own pocket.
When you purchase a pet health insurance policy, you choose a deductible and a reimbursement percentage. These determine how much you’ll pay each month (your premium) and how much you’ll get reimbursed for veterinary expenses.
Reimbursement percentages in the industry range from 80% to 90%. The higher the percentage, the more you’ll be reimbursed for your veterinary expenses after meeting your deductible.
Some carriers offer per-incident deductibles, which are similar to those on human medical insurance policies. They apply to each new condition a vet sees your pet for, which can result in lower reimbursement rates for you. Others, like Trupanion and Nationwide, use annual deductibles. Once you meet this deductible, you won’t have to pay it again until the next year.
Annual limit
If you choose a pet insurance policy with an annual limit, it caps how much the company will pay for veterinary care within a single year. This means that if you hit your annual deductible and qualify for $15,000 worth of reimbursements, the company will only pay $10,000.
A lower annual limit may sound attractive because it can save you money on your premium, but it could also leave you underinsured and facing high out-of-pocket expenses should an accident or illness occur. That can feel like no insurance at all.
A good policy has options that allow you to customize your annual limit, deductible and reimbursement percentage to fit your budget. While the premium may be higher, it can be worth it if you are worried about unexpected vet bills or are concerned about a pet’s health. It is also important to consider how your pet’s age, breed and personality affect their needs for coverage.